Summer Berry Gin Smash
A refreshing gin cocktail bursting with muddled summer berries and fresh herbs, topped with sparkling water for a light finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, berries fresh blackberries, berries fresh raspberries for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 5 berries fresh blackberries
- 5 berries fresh raspberries
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 mint sprig
- 1 slice lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sturdy mixing glass, add 5 blackberries, 5 raspberries, and 6 fresh mint leaves.
- Step 2: Muddle gently until the berries break down and the mint releases its aroma.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup into the mixing glass.
- Step 4: Fill the glass with 1 cup crushed ice and stir gently for 15 seconds to chill and combine.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into a double old-fashioned glass filled halfway with crushed ice.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz sparkling water to add light fizz.
- Step 7: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel placed on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Berry Gin Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Summer Berry Gin Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover summer berry gin smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Berry Gin Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Summer Berry Gin Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Summer Berry Gin Smash?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
